Caitlin Clark Sets Franchise Record, Indiana Fever Withstands Mercury Comeback Attempt

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Caitlin Clark, who set a first-quarter assists record, and the Indiana Fever withstood a furious comeback attempt from the Phoenix Mercury to close out a 95-86 win on Friday night.

The Fever opened up a massive lead late in the third quarter, thanks in no small part to Clark's exceptional passing and court vision. One especially impressive highlight included a perfectly weighted bounce pass into the lane to lead to a basket. 

And another exceptional, nearly full-court pass to Kelsey Mitchell created an easy layup.

Clark was even better with the ball in the first half, breaking a Fever franchise record with seven assists in the first quarter and nine in the first half alone.

Caitlin Clark

INDIANAPOLIS - Caitlin Clark and Katie Lou Samuelson #33 of the Indiana Fever react during the first half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 12, 2024. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark Turns In Star Level Performance, Despite Turnovers

The Fever took a commanding 81-58 lead heading into the fourth quarter, seemingly cementing an easy victory. But the Mercury came roaring back, going on a 23-4 run to pull within four points with over three minutes remaining.

Indiana recovered though, thanks to several successive Clark assists and some clutch shooting from Kelsey Mitchell. They pulled away, cementing an important win to improve to 10-14. 

The Mercury were missing Diana Taurasi, though the WNBA's prediction of a "learning curve" for Clark hasn't seemed to materialize. Clark put together 20 points, with six rebounds, 13 assists, a steal and two blocks. Though she did have six turnovers in what was a generally sloppy ball handling night for both teams. 

But Clark's shooting and passing ability was too much for the Mercury to handle.

The Fever will be back in action on Sunday, on the road against the Minnesota Lynx. They'll do so having improved to 7th in the WNBA standings after an impressive, hard-fought win Friday night.